Friday, April 26, 2013

Greene County Extension Delegation Rates Legislative Day as a Success

About 400 people attended the 39th annual University of Missouri Alumni Alliance Legislative Day on April 3 at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Volunteers were urged to talk with legislators about MU Extension’s work and the importance of HB202 and SB9, which would authorize extension councils to form districts to fund programming.

The event, sponsored by the UM Alumni Alliance and MU Extension, is held to thank legislators for their support of the university and MU Extension and to share examples of how extension improves the quality of life, creates jobs and contributes to Missouri communities.

During an in-service education session, 103 attendees learned about the value of creating extension county business plans as a tool for building community support. The business plan developed by the Greene County Extension Council was a focal part of the meeting. Council chair Carl Alison and David Burton, county program director, were on the discussion panel.

The Alliance of Alumni Associations and Extension is made up of 40 members from the four University of Missouri campuses and extension. The UM Board of Curators created the group to foster cooperation among the system campuses and Extension was added to the Alliance in 1994.

The Greene County Extension Council had two delegates attend this year.

“We were well received. Eric Burlison, one of our state representatives, took us down on the house floor to meet with all of our representatives on the floor. He (Eric) had each one come over to us and talk about the bill. It was a great experience. Charlie Norr seemed very sympathetic to our cause and said he would help any way he could,’ said Susie Joplin.

“As a new council member I enjoyed the trip to legislative day. We were able to make contact with one State Senator and six Representatives in person. The elected officials we visited with were courteous, attentive and asked excellent questions. I would say the investment in time was worth it and look forward to another legislative day in the future,” said George Deatz. “The last legislative day I attended was when I was in the Missouri JC's during the mid 1970's. It didn't seem like much had changed in the halls of the Missouri State Capitol.”

The Greene County delegation was able to meet and visit with the following Representatives: Jeffery Messenger, Sonya Anderson, Charlie Norr, Eric Burlison, Elijah Haahr, Lincoln Hough, Kevin Austin and Lyndall Fraker as well as State Senator Bob Dixon.

Since 1914, Greene County residents have sought help from Extension in areas related to agriculture, gardening, 4-H youth, nutrition, families, business and community development. Members of “Friends of Greene County Extension” contribute financially to make it possible for Extension to continue having a positive impact on the quality of life in Greene County. To learn how you can help go online to http://extension.missouri.edu/greene or call (417) 881-8909. The Greene County Extension Center is located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic, Ave., Springfield, Mo.